just called our local OTW facilty (Penn National), and they said these races would not be available for wagering. However, I see you can wager online at sites like youbet.com (the races start at 6:40 a.m. Saturday). Because of Islamic law, there is no betting allowed in Dubai, so maybe that's why it is available only through international online sites. Just a guess...

Do you have a favorite in the big race? I know everyone is talking about Discreet Cat and Invasor, but personally I like Premium Tap's chances here :)

Hi, Hate to play the chalk but I think Discreet Cat is the class of the field - the only question is can he go 1 1/4. However, I think that with the short price he's the winner. We'll see.

Premium Tap took a shot at a mile and a quarter and came up short against Invasor however, he has won a race over there so maybe he has adjusted well. Desormeaux has picked up the mount he didn't fly over there for air. Must respect.

Now as regards to the Duty Free - I know what you're going to say LAVA MAN can't ship however, he is by far the class of the field. I like his chances on grass. Even though when they ship they can lose up to 200 lbs. hopefully his connections have taken care of him and he will like the dry heat. He appears to be in form. He's the horse to beat. Yea Lava Man!

Well, never trust asking people over the phone about stuff...when I went to the OTW facility today and opened the Daily Racing Program, there were the Dubai races front and center. And, yes, we were able to place bets. I took a chance with Premium Tap for the upset in the World Cup, and (sorry) went with English Channel in the Duty Free. I bet them both in the Breeders Cup last year, and think both have matured and grown as 5 year olds. I don't bet much...$2 per race, so it's really just for fun. Lava Man is a great horse, and I really would be pleased for him to kick that nagging "curse" of not being able to win outside of California.